City changes Scott Boulevard construction plans to allow for traffic

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Plans for a major road construction project in Columbia have changed to allow drivers more access during the project.

Phase II of construction on Scott Boulevard will begin soon. Columbia Public Works hasn't set a start date yet, but expect to be finished in early August.

Scott Boulevard will be closed from Bellview Road to Vawter School Road during construction.

Originally, crews planned to shut down the intersection of Scott Boulevard and Vawter School Road as well.

However, residents asked city council for access during the project, so Public Works will be keeping a portion of the intersection open during construction.

"We heard our customers who wanted access loud and clear," Steve Sapp with Public Works said. "So we will keep the southern portion of the intersection open for all but about three weeks of the project."

The project includes raising the bridge over the Hinkson Creek by 9 feet to get it out of the flood plain. It will also raise the road to match the bridge around it. Construction crews will also be building a new roundabout where the intersection of Scott Boulevard and Vawter School Road is.

The project may affect the 11,000 cars that drive on it every day, but Sapp said it is worth it.

"By keeping Scott Boulevard closed, we will save $1.5 million as well as months of time and be able to keep our crews safe," he said.

While the road is closed, emergency management crews are working together to ensure response time is close to normal.

John Metz with Columbia Fire Department said they'll be working with Boone County Fire to get to emergencies quickly.